Twist cage setting

ABSTRACT

A cage setting is disclosed and method of retaining an object in a cage setting is disclosed. The cage setting defines a free space therein, configured for retaining an object therein. The cage setting includes a first and second cage end bodies. A number of bar members extend between the first and second end bodies. Each bar member has a first and second end secured the first and second end bodies, respectively. The bar members extend along a periphery that defines the free space. Each adjacent pair of bar members defines a gap having a first gap width that that allows an object to be inserted into the free space. Upon twisting, the first end body with respect to the second end body, the gap is altered to a second gap width, narrower than the first gap width, which captures the object within the free space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent document claims priority to earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/203,732, filed on Aug. 11, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a setting for a bead, crystal or a gemstone, or for another object. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cage setting, a setting tool for setting a bead, crystal, gemstone or other object in a cage setting, a kit for setting a bead, crystal, gem or other object in a cage setting, and a method for setting an object in the cage setting.

While the discussion herein refers to beads, gemstones, and crystals, it is also within the scope of the present invention to set other objects within the cage setting described herein.

Generally, the present invention provides a cage setting configured for retaining an object in the free space defined by the cage setting. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a kit for setting an object within the cage setting. The present invention also provides a method for setting an object in the cage setting of the present invention, using the kit of the present invention.

The cage setting of the present invention includes a plurality of bar members extending between a first end body of the cage setting and a second end body of the cage setting. Each bar member has a first end secured to the first cage end body, and each bar member has a second end secured to the second cage end body. The bar members extend along a periphery that defines a free space between the plurality of bar members. A pair of the plurality of bar members defines a gap that has a first gap width. This first gap width is wide enough that it allows an object to be inserted through the gap into the free space defined by the plurality of bar members. Upon twisting the first cage end body with respect to the second cage end body, the bar members are twisted, and the gap is altered to have a second gap width. The first gap width is greater than the second gap width, and the second gap width is sufficiently narrow that it prevents removal of the object from the cage setting through the gap.

The end bodies of the exemplary embodiment are formed with a loop, so that each end body can be secured to a chain, a clasp, or another coupler.

In the exemplary embodiment, there are four bar members, and four gaps defined between adjacent bar members. In the exemplary embodiment, these four gaps are substantially equal in width. Other embodiments may include 3, 4, or more bar members with equal or unequal widths. The cage setting can be formed from wire, cast as an integrated unit or stamped to provide the required shape.

The present invention can be provided as a kit, including the cage setting described above, along with a pair of setting tools. The pair of setting tools are configured for engaging the respective end bodies of the cage setting, allowing a user to effect a twisting of the cage setting. A slot is defined in an end of each setting tool, and the slot extends along the axis of the respective setting tool. Each slot is configured to receive therein a respective cage end body of the cage setting.

The present invention also provides a method of setting an object in the cage setting described above. In one step, the cage setting above is provided. In another step, an object to be set in the cage setting is provided. Then, the object is inserted through a gap between adjacent bar members of the cage setting, into the free space defined within the cage setting. Then the first end body is inserted into the slot of one of the setting tools, and the second end body is inserted into the slot of the other setting tool. The setting tools are aligned so they can be used to cause the desired twisting of the cage setting bar members. Then the first and second setting tools are rotated with respect to each other, causing the bar members to twist, and causing the gap between adjacent bar members to be narrowed from a first width to a second width. Then the end bodies are removed from the slots of the setting tools.

Accordingly, among the objects of the instant invention are: the provision of a cage setting for securing an object, such as a bead, crystal or a gemstone, therein; the provision of a cage setting that allows for setting of an object therein by twisting the cage setting; the provision of a kit for providing a cage setting and for setting an object in the cage setting; and the provision of a method for setting an object in the cage setting of the present invention by twisting the cage setting.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the twist cage setting;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a setting tool engaging the cage setting of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pair of setting tools engaging the cage setting of FIG. 1, with a crystal received in the cage setting;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cage setting being twisted by the setting tools;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view thereof, with one of the setting tools disengaged from the cage setting; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the method of using the twist cage setting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, the cage setting and kit of the present invention and the steps of the method of the present invention are illustrated and generally indicated at 10 in FIGS. 1-5. As will hereinafter be more fully described, the instant invention provides a cage setting, a kit for setting an object in a cage setting, and a method for setting an object in a cage setting.

An exemplary embodiment of the cage setting is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The exemplary embodiment of the cage setting 10 includes a plurality of bar members 12 extending between a first end body 14 of the cage setting and a second end body 16 of the cage setting 10. Each bar member 12 has a first end secured to the first cage end body 14 at a first joint region 14 a, and each bar member 12 has a second end secured to the second cage end body 16 at a second joint region 16 a. In the exemplary embodiment, there are four bar members 12.

A free space 18 is defined by the space between the bar members 12. The cage setting 10 is configured for retaining an object 20, such as a bead, crystal or a gemstone, in the free space 18.

The bar members 12 extend along a periphery that defines a free space 18 between the bar members 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the bar members 12 define a free space 18 that has an at least substantially pyramid-shaped region at its ends and an at least substantially square region in its middle. To define this free space 18, each bar member 12 has end portions 12 a, 12 b that angle inwardly towards the end bodies 14, 16, and a middle portion 12 c that extends longitudinally, parallel to or substantially parallel to the axis extending between the first and second end bodies 14, 16.

Each adjacent pair of the plurality of bar members 12 defines a gap 24 between the pair of adjacent bar members 12. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, there are four gaps defined by the four bar members 12 about the periphery of the free space 18 of the cage setting 10. The gaps 24 are measured in a direction that is perpendicular to an axis 26 of the cage setting 10, which extends between the first end body 14 and the second end body 16 of the cage setting 10. The gaps 24 are dimensioned and configured to allow a user to insert an object 20 through a gap 24 and into the free space 18 defined by the bar members 12 in the cage setting 18. The widest gap 24 has a first gap width. In the exemplary embodiment, the four gaps 24 have gap widths that are equal or substantially equal, but in other embodiments it is possible to have unequal gap widths.

Other embodiments may include three, four, or more bar members 12 with equal or unequal widths.

The cage setting 10 can be formed from wire, cast as an integrated unit or stamped to provide the required shape.

FIG. 3 shows the cage setting 10, with an object 20, in this case a crystal, received in the free space 18 defined within the cage setting 10.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show that upon twisting the cage setting 10 by rotating the first end body 14 with respect to the second end body 16 about an axis 26 that extends between the two end bodies 14, 16, the gap 24 widths can be narrowed. By twisting the cage setting 10, the widest gap width is narrowed from a first gap width w to a second gap width w′. The second gap width w′ is measured in the same direction as the first gap width w. This second gap width w′ is sufficiently narrow that it prevents the object 20 received in the free space 18 of the cage setting 10 from passing through the gap 24. Again, in the exemplary embodiment, the four gap widths are equal or substantially equal, so the four gaps have gap widths equal to the second gap width w′ after the cage setting has been twisted sufficiently.

In other embodiments, unequal gap widths may be provided, but after the step of twisting all of the gaps 24 are sufficiently narrow that none of the gaps 24 allows the object 20 set in the cage setting 10 from passing through that respective gap 24.

In the exemplary embodiment, the end bodies 14, 16 are formed with loops, so that the cage setting 10 can be linked at both ends to a chain, a clasp, or another coupler commonly used for coupling jewelry. In other embodiments, it is possible to provide end bodies 14, 16 with other geometries, as long as those end bodies 14, 16 allow the cage setting 10 to be gripped at both ends and twisted about an axis 26 that extends between the two ends 14, 16.

In the exemplary embodiment, the loops are dimensioned and configured to be received in a slot 28 defined in a setting tool 30. A pair of such setting tools 30 and at least one cage setting 10, such as the one described above, can be provided to a user as a kit for setting objects 20, such as beads, crystals and gemstones, in cage settings 10.

Setting tools 30 of the exemplary embodiment of the invention are shown in FIGS. 2-5. In the exemplary embodiment, each of the setting tools 30 is generally formed as a cylinder, with a slot 28 defined on a flat face 32 of the cylinder. Each setting tool 30 has a first end 34 and a second end 36 and a cylindrical outer wall 38 extending between the first and second ends 34, 36. Each setting tool 30 has a setting tool axis 40 that extends from the respective first end 34 to the respective second end 36. A slot 28 is defined at the respective first end 34 of each setting tool 30. The slot 28 extends in the direction of the axis 40 that extends between the first and second ends 34, 36 of the setting tool 30. The slot 28 also extends in the radial direction of the setting tool 30, and is dimensioned and configured to receive therein an end body 14, 16 of the cage 10.

It is possible to form each of the setting tools 30 as a cylinder, substantially as a cylinder, or in other geometric shapes that allow a user to easily grip the setting tools 30 for twisting a cage setting 10. In some embodiments, the slot 28 can have a variable slot width for selectively gripping and releasing a cage setting end body 14, 16.

Referring to FIG. 6, the present invention provides a method for setting an object, such as a bead, crystal or a gemstone. First, an object to be set in the cage setting 10 is provided. This can be obtained separately by a user, or it can be marketed and sold with the cage setting 10 or cage setting kit of the present invention. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, a cage setting 10 is provided. The cage setting 10 of the exemplary method is the cage setting of the exemplary embodiment described above. Then, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, a pair of setting tools 30 is provided. The first and second setting tools 30, as described above, are configured for engaging the end bodies 14, 16 of the cage setting 10. A user engages the slot 28 of the first setting tool 30 with the cage setting 10 so that an end body 14 is received in the slot 28 of the first setting tool 30, as shown in FIG. 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the user engages the slot 28 of the second setting tool 30 with the cage setting 10 so that the other end body 16 is received in the slot 28 of the second setting tool 30.

Then the user inserts an object 20 through a gap 24 defined between a pair of bar members 12 of the cage setting 10 and into the free space 18 defined by the cage setting 10. FIG. 3 shows an object 20 received in the free space 18 of the cage setting 10. Alternatively, this step may come before the step of engaging the setting tool slots 28 with the cage setting end bodies 14, 16.

Then the user aligns the first and second setting tools 30 so that they can be used to effect a twisting of the cage setting 10 about the axis 26 that extends between the end bodies 14, 16 of the cage setting 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the user aligns the axis 40 of the first setting tool 30 with the axis 40 of the second setting tool 30, as shown in FIG. 3. The user also aligns the axes 40 of the setting tools 30 with the axis 26 of the cage setting 10, which extends between the end bodies 14, 16 of the cage setting 10. Then, the user rotates the first setting tool 30 with respect to the second setting tool 30 in one rotational direction about the axis 40 of the first setting tool 30. The rotation causes the bar members 12 of the cage setting 10 to twist, and causes the gaps 24 between the bar members 12 to be narrowed from a first gap width w to a second gap width w′. The second gap width w′ is sufficiently narrow that it does not allow the object 20 received in the free space 18 of the cage setting 10 to pass through the gap 24. Thus, the cage setting 10 retains the object 20 within the cage setting 10, and the bar members 12 of the cage setting 10 prevent removal of the object 20.

Through the above method, the bar members 12 are plastically deformed, so they retain their shape after the setting tools 30 are disengaged from the cage setting 10. The user can disengage the setting tools 30, and then use the setting tools 30 to set another object 20 within another cage setting 10. FIG. 5 shows removal of one of the setting tools 30 after the cage setting 10 has been twisted.

While the above method refers to use of the setting tools 30, it is possible to secure a stone or crystal in the twist cage setting 10 by using other methods. For example, it is possible to secure a stone or crystal in the twist cage 10 by simply using two pins, with one pin respectively received in each of the loops at the end bodies 14, 16 of the twist cage setting 10. When a first pin is received in a loop at a first end 14 of the cage setting 10 and a second pin is received in a second loop at a second end 16 of the cage setting 10, the pins can be rotated relative to each other in opposite directions, causing the cage setting 10 to be twisted about the axis 26 that extends between the end bodies 14, 16 of the cage setting 10. Similarly, it is possible to twist the cage setting 10 using two pair of flat pliers, with each pair of pliers engaging a respective end body 14, 16 of the cage setting 10. With the pliers gripping the respective end bodies 14, 16 of the cage setting 10, the pliers can be manipulated to effect a twisting of the cage setting 10 about the axis 26 that extends between the two end bodies 14, 16 of the cage setting 10. When using pliers, there is no need for the cage setting 10 to have loops formed on the end bodies 14, 16.

Still other structures and methods for twisting the cage setting 10 are within the scope of the present invention.

Various connectors can be provided on the end bodies 14, 16 of the cage setting 10. For example, the cage setting 10 can include a loop, or ring, on one end 14, 16 of the cage setting 10 or both ends 14, 16 of the cage setting 10, or the cage setting 10 can be provided without any loops, or rings, on the ends 14, 16. The end bodies 14, 16 can include one or more bails, one or more pins, or one or more of another connector. Any combination of such connectors is also within the scope of the present invention. When each end body 14, 16 includes a connector, the connector on the first end body 14 can be different from the connector on the second end body 16.

While the above discussion is generally directed to the field of jewelry, the structure of the present invention has other applications. The twist cage setting 10 is useful in industrial and medical applications, where it is desirable to twist a cage 10 to secure an object therein or where it is desirable to twist a cage to alter its geometry for another purpose.

It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides a cage setting for securing an object, such as a bead, crystal or a gemstone, therein; provides a cage setting that allows for setting of an object therein by twisting the cage setting; provides a kit for providing a cage setting and for setting an object in the cage setting; and provides a method for setting an object in the cage setting of the present invention by twisting the cage setting. For these reasons, the instant invention is believed to represent a significant advancement in the art which has substantial commercial merit.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cage setting defining a free space therein, and configured for retaining an object in the free space, the cage setting comprising: a first cage end body; a second cage end body; a plurality of bar members extending between the first end body and the second end body, each bar member having a first end secured to the first cage end body, and each bar member having a second end secured to the second cage end body; wherein the plurality of bar members extend along a periphery that defines a free space between the plurality of bar members; wherein a pair of the plurality of bar members defines a gap having a first gap width that that allows an object to be inserted through the gap into the free space defined by the plurality of bar members; and wherein, upon twisting the first cage end body with respect to the second cage end body, the gap is altered to have a second gap width, the first gap width being greater than the second gap width.
 2. The cage setting of claim 1, wherein the first cage end body is formed with a loop.
 3. The cage setting of claim 2, wherein the second cage end body is formed with a loop.
 4. The cage setting of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bar members is four bar members.
 5. The cage setting of claim 4, wherein the first gap width between all pairs of the plurality of bar members is equal.
 6. The cage setting of claim 1, wherein the first end body includes a first joint region formed from the plurality of bar members.
 7. The cage setting of claim 6, wherein the second end body includes a second joint region formed from the plurality of bar members.
 8. The cage setting of claim 1, wherein each bar member include a middle portion with two end portions extending therefrom, wherein the end portion angle inwardly towards the first end body and the second end body, respectively.
 9. The cage setting of claim 1, wherein the free space defined by the plurality of bar members has a substantially pyramid-shaped region at the first cage end body and the second cage end body, and a substantially square region in a middle.
 10. A cage setting kit comprising: a cage setting, the cage setting comprising: a first cage end body; a second cage end body; a plurality of bar members extending between the first end body and the second end body, each bar member having a first end secured to the first cage end body, and each bar member having a second end secured to the second cage end body; wherein the plurality of bar members extend along a periphery that defines a free space between the plurality of bar members; wherein a pair of the plurality of bar members defines a gap having a first gap width that that allows an object to be inserted through the gap into the free space defined by the plurality of bar members; and wherein, upon twisting the first cage end body with respect to the second cage end body, the gap is altered to have a second gap width, the first gap width being greater than the second gap width; and a pair of setting tools, each setting tool having a slot defined at a respective first end of each setting tool, the slots of the setting tools being configured to receive therein the first cage end and the second cage end, respectively.
 11. The cage setting kit of claim 10, wherein each setting tool is a cylinder having a first end and a second end, with a cylindrical outer wall extending between the first end and the second end,
 12. The cage setting kit of claim 11, wherein each setting tool has an axis extending from the respective first end to the respective second end.
 13. The cage setting kit of claim 12, wherein the slot extends in the direction of the respective axis.
 14. A method of setting an object in a cage setting, the method comprising the steps of: providing an object; providing a cage setting, the cage setting comprising: a first cage end body; a second cage end body; a plurality of bar members extending between the first end body and the second end body, each bar member having a first end secured to the first cage end body, and each bar member having a second end secured to the second cage end body; wherein the plurality of bar members extend along a periphery that defines a free space between the plurality of bar members; wherein a pair of the plurality of bar members defines a gap having a first gap width that that allows an object to be inserted through the gap into the free space defined by the plurality of bar members; and providing a pair of setting tools; each setting tool being a cylinder having a first end and a second end, with a cylindrical outer wall extending between the first end and the second end, each setting tool having an axis extending from the respective first end to the respective second end; and a slot defined at the respective first end of each setting tool, the slot extending in the direction of the respective axis, the slots of the setting tools being configured to receive therein the first cage end and the second cage end, respectively; inserting an object through said gap and into said free space inserting the first end body into a first one of the slots, and inserting the second end body into a second one of the slots; aligning the axis of the first setting tool with the axis of the second setting tool; rotating the first setting tool with respect to the second setting tool, and about the axis of the first setting tool, thereby causing the gap to be altered to have a second gap width, the first gap width being greater than the second gap width; removing the first end body from the first one of the slots, and removing the second end body from the second one of the slots. 